Cheese Puffs, also known as gougères, are light and airy pastry bites made with a choux dough and loaded with cheese. These delightful little puffs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich, cheesy flavor that makes them irresistible. They are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, and they pair wonderfully with wine or champagne. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature, these Cheese Puffs are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Choux Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, salt, and pepper (and cayenne or nutmeg, if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool slightly for 3-5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when they are added.
- Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and shiny. It might look like it’s separating at first, but keep beating, and it will come together. Stir in the grated cheese until evenly distributed.
- Pipe or Spoon the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon. Pipe or drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want uniform shapes, you can smooth the tops with a wet fingertip.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent them from deflating.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheese puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheets. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy these delightful Cheese Puffs as a savory snack that’s perfect for any occasion!
